Peter Tiefenbach’s contemporary reimagining of Bach’s comic Coffee Cantata, set in a coffee bar, pairs with musical party pieces performed by three Glenn Gould School vocal stars. A twist on Bach and a nod to Leonard Bernstein, Katy Clark, Adam Harris and Zack Rioux join Tiefenbach and Robert Kortgaard around the piano.

The dynamic Ensemble Made in Canada is touring this musical tribute to all provinces and territories with 14 multi-genre Canadian composers (classical, jazz, singer-songwriter, electronic, First Nations) encapsulating the glories of every region. Paired with the masterpiece, Brahms Quartet for piano and strings, a rich autumn feast.

Testimonials

Everyone should visit Indian River and the beautiful church. Pairing a visit with a concert should be at the top of the list. The acoustics and ambiance are unbeatable.

Margaret Colvin, Patron

I absolutely love sitting the the church pews listening to great music! The experience can’t be replicated elsewhere on PEI and that is why any music lover should go to the Indian River Festival.

Marilyn Earle, Patron

Thank you for a wonderful evening … voices beautiful, song choices excellent … so much talent!

G. Snow, Charlottetown, PEI

I really enjoyed Matt Anderson’s show. His performance at Indian River is powerful, resonating, and yet intimate. It is a feeling like no other at any other venue I have been to. It should be on everyone’s ‘to do’ list. Thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Ruth, Patron

“St. Mary’s has become one of my favourite places to sing. The sound of the room is a blessing to anybody inside, on stage or in the pews. Accompanied by the gorgeous architecture of the building it is easily in my top 10 places to play.”

Matt Andersen, singer-songwriter

Our first concert in St. Mary’s Church remains unforgettable. The architecture of the Church, the elegantly designed new members lounge and the surroundings made our first impression of this Festival. The quality of the program on offer also pointed to the flair of the Festival organizers. We thought that Indian River was up there with Festivals like the renowned Whitsun Music Festival in Salzbug, Austria. This is why we are coming back and bringing friends. It is as PEI as Anne Shirley.

Laurent Beaulieu, Patron

A concert in St. Mary’s Church in Indian River can profoundly heighten one’s appreciation not only music itself, but for all that is behind, that surrounds and brings life to the music as we hear it.”

Todd MacLean (The Guardian, Charlottetown; July 18, 2014)

The Indian River Festival was named one of Canada’s top music festivals in “CBC Music’s guide to Canada’s classical music summer festivals” in 2014.

Indian River Festival

I enjoyed the whole experience – the bagpiper to begin outside and during intermission, the commentary, the Church, enormously talented musicians – excellent!

J. Valihora, Ottawa, ON

Amazing acoustics and extremely talented artists and vocalists surrounded by a great view and a beautiful pavilion to socialize during intermission! Some of our favourites were Matt Anderson, Sarah Harmer, David Myles and of course midsummer magic with a variety of amazing voices.